PM to be elected ‘directly’ by people

ISLAMABAD:

The PTI on Sunday presented its manifesto for the next elections that contained social and constitutional reforms including having the country's premier directly elected by the people instead of the National Assembly members.

Revealing the PTI’s manifesto titled ‘Shandaar Pakistan, Shandaar Mustaqbil aur Kharaab Maazi sey Chutkara [Glorious Pakistan, Glorious Future and Liberation from the Unpleasant Past]’ during a news conference at the party’s secretariat in Islamabad, its chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said if they came to power, the term of the assemblies would be reduced from five years to four years and that of the Senate from six years to five years.

In addition, he said a process would be adopted for 50 per cent of senators to be elected directly.

Gohar further said the manifesto contained the formation of a truth and reconciliation commission.
Reiterating the PTI’s mantra of bringing a “change”, he added that the country’s glorious future and ridding it of the inadequacies of the past was the new manifesto of the party.

"Our manifesto is one nation, one law, and equality for all,” he explained. “There cannot be two laws in one country."

The PTI chairman claimed that the party would introduce laws in line with that of ‘Riyasat-e-Madina’ (State of Madina).

He stressed the need for the rule of law in the country.

He maintained that the country’s laws, whether criminal or civil, were “outdated”.

Gohar pledged that the party would protect the fundamental rights of the people by bringing changes to the criminal law and introducing a new system for investigations.

“The Code of Criminal Procedure will be reformed so that the people are protected.”

Gohar continued that it was necessary to rid the country of corruption and promised that the party would introduce an initiative that would keep a stricter eye on the matter.

The PTI chairman elaborated that the party’s manifesto contained the slogan of “Sehatmand Khushaal Awaam, Jeay Pakistan’ [Healthy Prosperous People, Long Live Pakistan”.

He was speaking about the party’s plan to introduce health reforms in the country.

“We will deliver health cards to the whole country,” he added as part of the party’s social sector reforms.

He also vowed that farmers would be provided with a subsidy to assist them in standing on their feet.

Gohar also stressed the importance of education and skills for the youth. He added that the party’s slogan for this purpose was ‘Parha Likha Pakistan, Hunarmand Pakistan [Educated Pakistan, Skilled Pakistan]’.

He continued that the party would abolish the class system in the country and introduce a singular education system.

“This will increase employment opportunities for educated people.”

Gohar said the party had several incentives for the youth including imparting them with values, their education and participation in politics.

About the economy, the PTI chairman said the party would introduce short-term and long-term reforms.

Explaining how the PTI aimed at pulling this off, Gohar said the party would make the State Bank of Pakistan “independent” and expand the tax net.

“By making tax brackets, we will give relief to the public and the corporate sector.”

He promised to boost the local industries to bring Pakistan on the path of development.

“We will increase the income by reducing the debt.”

The PTI chairman also pledged to launch development schemes for the people.

On foreign policy, Gohar said Pakistan must have ties based on equality with all countries.

“Our first principle is that no one can interfere with Pakistan’s internal affairs.”

Talking about the atrocities faced by the PTI, Gohar complained that the judges themselves had appointed the party’s founding chairman Imran Khan’s lawyers, who had already represented the prosecution.

He added that the judge had taken this action despite the presence of several lawyers of the PTI.

Gohar described this as an “illegal act” and demanded the intervention of the chief justice of Pakistan.

He maintained that the PTI had been denied a level playing field.

The party chairman also lamented the 'harassment' of the party's candidates. He added that these “tactics” were against the law and the Constitution, and akin to obstructing the people.

“If every day you obstruct the will of the people, what can we predict about February 8 [the date scheduled for the general elections]?”

Gohar requested the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to ensure equal rights for all. "Equal rights are not just for parties, but also for all candidates."

He added that the PTI was the "country's largest political party" and yet it was not being allowed to campaign for the upcoming polls.